College Life

Is “Fine” Fine?

img_4772Congratulations! You've survived your first few weeks of college! There have been a lot of things going on, right? There's been the Christian Service Expo, Greek Rush, Collegian Kick-Off, History Seminar, sports tryouts, music and acting auditions...the list goes on and on and on and on and...I think you get the picture.

Like I said, a ton has happened on campus. It wouldn't have been hard for me to write about any one of those activities mentioned above. But instead, I would like to use this post to ask you a question:

"How are you doing?"

Now, there's no way for me to "magically" reach into your mind and find the answer, but I'm pretty sure what your reply was:

"I'm fine."

Even if you didn't say (or think) that phrase (or its equivalent) this time, you've definitely said it before. In fact, it's one of the most common phrases in our society. We constantly use it whenever we're asked how we're doing. Now, I'm not saying anything against the phrase; it helps keep greetings from taking forever. However, I do want to point out that we often use it as a cover for all of our problems, troubles, concerns, etc. So let me ask you again:

"Are you really fine?"

Maybe you really are. If so, that's great! Good for you! But what's more likely is that, whether or not you want to admit it, you've got something bothering you inside. Now, I have no idea what it is that's bothering you.  It could be finances, classes, relationship problems, a work situation, or something going on at home just to name a few. Maybe it's something you're struggling with. Like I said, there's no way for me to know. (See, I told you I couldn't read minds!) But what I do know is that Scripture gives us good instruction for how to deal with the troubles and concerns we have brooding inside us.

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

Philippians 2:4

See, the Bible tells us to tell our problems to one another. I know it isn't easy to share, and most of us don't want others knowing what is really going on in our lives. I'd be the first to admit that I often don't. But it's part of living the Christian life, and while it may be hard, by opening our hearts we allow others the opportunity to comfort and encourage us.

This is exactly why we have prayer group in our residence halls—it's a chance for us to come together as brothers (or sisters) in Christ in order to hear one another's needs and to pray for them. So here's my challenge for you: take time this week to either share with your prayer group or with a friend what's really going on in your life. We all have burdens, and too often we try to carry them on our own. Let's stop living behind our "fine" masks and instead unite together for Christ!

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The thoughts and opinions expressed in Life in the Nest are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pensacola Christian College.
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